Grant Poznick

Environmental Design

8th Term

What has been a notable project that you have worked on while at Art Center?
One of the greatest challenges for me has been working in teams for transdisciplinary design studio (TDS) classes. Getting students from multiple disciplines to work together cooperatively, and invest equally in a common goal, requires a designer to share ownership of all ideas generated within the group.

I learned that in order to succeed, a group must have a leaderâone who can accept input generously and incorporate various talents.

Have you found any Art Center guest speakers particularly inspirational or thought provoking?
This spring Jonah Lehrer, a contributing editor at Wired, spoke as part of the College's Big Picture lecture series about the science behind decision-making. It was a fascinating look at why we do what we do.

What is the most challenging aspect of studying art and design?
The biggest challenge is learning to limit yourself in order to respond effectively to a specific problem. Often you want to solve every problem, and instead end up solving none.

By creating constraints for ourselves, we sharpen our senses within a narrow channel, in turn recognizing solutions we would otherwise pass right over.

When you are not in school or studying, what do you like to do around Los Angeles and Pasadena?
Hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains really connects you to the land and gives you a sense of belonging.

That is the best part about living on the northern border of Los Angelesâhaving a giant wilderness park right in your backyard!

What has surprised you the most about Southern California?
I was born and raised in Pasadena, yet I am continually surprised by how big the city is and how much of it I have yet to experience.

There are so many amazing things happening at any given moment hereâyou just have to know where to look.